Damages that occur on asphalt driveways tend to be progressive. They are susceptible with constant use, to breakdowns like cracks, fissures as well as potholes. As well, nature plays a crucial role in its degradation especially due to heavy rains and intense heat from the sun.

Oils and grease can also leave their surface corroded. It is vital repairing and renewing it at least periodically to keep these driveways well-maintained. The repair process of giving them a new look comprises of two parts, namely cleaning and sealing. It is critical to ensure temperature on the ground is at least 45°F and no rains should be expected for 3 consecutive days before commencing work on the driveway. This is because the repaired surface should not get wet for 2 hours at least after work has been done on it. One should also be careful to purchase the right product for sealing purposes. Avoid picking up roofing cement or compounds since these could inflict harm on your driveway as opposed to sealing it. Melbourne homeowners requiring this kind of service can consult with a seasoned professional such as an Asphalt Melbourne specialist.

Cleaning

This is by far the most critical part of undertaking repair work. It begins with uprooting outgrown grass from cracks, fissures as well as even off the edges. Next is employing a stiff bristled brush for cleaning any stains caused by grease, oil or gas spills. One should only use the detergents designated for application on asphalt driveways. A push broom can then be utilized for cleaning and sweeping the driveway surface. Depressions or large cracks that occur within the surface can be filled with patching compounds to keep the surface smooth and even. One can then apply a vigorous spray of water with a garden hose via its spray nozzle for rinsing the entire surface. This should help in removing any remnants of dirt and small debris. You can employ a pressure washer too if available as it helps in performing effective rinsing of the surface. Allow the cleaned surface to completely dry out before proceeding onto the next step. The surface needs to be inspected by residential asphalt services for residue of dirt. It should be removed if present, especially because even slight amounts of debris could leave the final sealing looking messy.

Sealing

Before sealing the driveway starts, the sealer is premixed by turning it upside down while the lid still lies on the container. Stirring needs to continue time and again to ensure it mixes well, upon opening the lid. This exercise should begin at one driveway-corner with sealing efforts being made in small patches of perhaps between 10 and 20 square feet as opposed to having long narrow strips. The asphalt driveway sealer can then get poured onto the surface. Application of sealer is then done with a squeegee or long handled application brush in thin, overlapping coats. This process should be repeated in entirety for the driveway until the entire surface gets covered in even manner. The minimum time-frame required for drying out the driveway is 24 hours. Nothing whether vehicle or person should be allowed to tread on this surface.

Having a driveway that looks attractive only requires involving the right professionals for the task, such as the residential asphalt services Melbourne provides.